U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Operations Office, P. O. Box 2001, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-8758

A -- NOTICE OF PROGRAM INTEREST; RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO DEVELOP ADVANCED MATERIALS FOR LOW EMISSIONS, HIGH EFFICIENCY DIESEL ENGINE COMPONENTS POC Contact Point, Karen Stanford Shears, Contract Specialist, Environmental Acquisitions Branch, Procurement and Contracts Division, (423) 241-6411 The Office of Transportation Technologies of the Department of Energy is interested in receiving unsolicited applications for research and development on advanced materials as enabling technology for the design and development of components for low emissions, high efficiency diesel engines. The Office of Transportation Technologies, Office of Heavy Vehicle Technologies (OTT OHVT) has an active program to develop by 2001 the technology for advanced LE-55 diesel engines with 55 percent efficiency and low emissions levels of 2.0g/bhp-hr NOx and 0.05 g/bhp-hr particulates. The goal is also for the LE-55 engine to run on natural gas with efficiency approaching that of diesel fuel. OTT OHVT also recognizes a significant opportunity for reduction n petroleum consumption by dieselization of pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles. Application of the diesel engine to class 1, 2, and 3 trucks is expected to yield a 35% increase in fuel economy per vehicle. The foremost barrier to diesel use in this market is emission control. Once an engine is made certifiable, subsequent challenges will be in cost; noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH); and performance. The design of advanced components for high efficiency diesel engines has, in some cases, pushed the performance envelope for materials of construction past the point of reliable operation. Higher mechanical and tribological stresses and higher temperatures of advanced designs limit the engine designer; advanced materials allow the design of components that may operate reliably at higher stresses and temperatures, thus enabling more efficient engine designs. Advanced materials also offer the opportunity to improve the emissions, NVH and performance of diesel engines for pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Controlling the increasing consumption of petroleum is an important national concern. The U.S. heavy duty transport sector consumes more than 27 percent of U.S. transportation energy and is heavily dependent on petroleum-based fuels, primarily No. 2 diesel fuel. Heavy duty transport is second only to automobiles in use of petroleum. Energy use by heavy duty transport modes has increased steadily since the early 1970s, despite significant gains in diesel engine efficiency. Diesel engines are highly efficient and, when operating on diesel fuel, have low CO2, CO and hydrocarbon emissions. However, diesel engines are major emitters of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter. Overall, the heavy duty transport sector is responsible for a substantial share of U.S. transportation emissions -- 54 percent of NOx and 47 percent of particulate matter. The light truck market segment, classes 1-3, has grown from 23% of the domestic light duty vehicle sales in 1984 to over 42% in 1995 representing a substantial influx of low fuel economy vehicles into the public and private fleets. This trend could increase the U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum even beyond the current projections. Application of diesel engines to light trucks could result in fuel savings per vehicle of 35% or more if modern, high-efficiency diesel technology is utilized. Diesels with efficiencies of 39-42% would replace gasoline engines that achieve less than 30% efficiency over much of their operating range. Several substantial technical barriers must be resolved before diesels can or will be used extensively in this class of vehicle, including emissions, NVH, and cost. Advanced materials may offer a solution to these barriers. The goal of this program is to develop advanced material applications in diesel engine components to enable the design of cleaner, more efficient engines. Advanced materials may include ceramics, intermetallic alloys, advanced metal alloys, or ceramic or metal coatings. Components may include in-cylinder components, valve-train components, fuel system components, exhaust system components, and air handling systems. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: The proposed research should address the following areas: (1) component design, (2) selection of candidate materials, (3) material down selection, development, and optimization, (4) prototype component fabrication, and (5) rig or engine testing of components. Applications must contain the following information: (1) Description of the proposed research, including roles of suppliers, consultants, and subcontractors, (2) a critical review of existing and emerging technologies on a world-wide basis that may compete with the proposed technology. The review should conclude that the proposed research is timely, does not duplicate work being pursued elsewhere, and is more competitive than existing or emerging technology; (3) technical and economic evaluations for industrial implementation indicating the potential for improved energy efficiency, reduction of engine emissions and alternative fuels utilization. The economic evaluation should also contain evidence and a schedule showing that the proposed technology has potential for commercialization; (4) an estimate of the potential energy saving attributable to the commercialization of the proposed technology; (5) a Statement of Work and Management Plan including a project schedule, work breakdown structure, budget plan, milestones, and decision points; (6) applicants or other participant cost-sharing commitments, which should be no less than 50 percent, and a description of the form of cost sharing (e.g., cash, in-kind); (7) applicants proposed structure for vertical or horizontal teaming/collaborating with co-participants or suppliers (a list of prospective suppliers should be provided); (8) an estimate of the total research and development cost required to reach the stage of technology development at which government funding will no longer be required; (9) the qualification and capability of the applicants organizations and individuals responsible for performing the work; (10) evidence of interest in the proposed research by industry, (11) evidence of the applicants eligibility to receive financial assistance from the U.S. DOE under Section 2306 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (see attached); and (12) Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, DOE Form 1600.5 ''Assurance of Compliance'' Drug Free and Lobbying certifications executed prior to any award. Additional information may be requested by DOE during review of applications. Applications will be evaluated individually as they are received. DOE will evaluate the applications based on the following factors: (1) Overall merit; for example: (a) The concept's applicability and commercial potential to the U.S. diesel engine and material and component supplier industries, (b) the interest of industry as evidenced by letters of support, (c) the proposed cost share; (2) the proposed project objectives and the probability of achieving the stated objectives; (3) the applicants research capabilities and qualifications; and (4) the applicant's facilities. DOE will select only proposals which are meritorious based upon the above evaluation and which represent a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach. If separate areas of research are called for by this solicitation, then a physically separate application for each area of research proposed is required. However, two or more areas of research may be combined if strong interfaces or interrelationships can be clearly shown. Original and two copies of each application should be submitted. This notice infers no commitment by DOE to make an award. A decision to award will be determined after thorough evaluation of applications received and the availability of funds. DOE reserves the right to support or not support any applications. DOE assumes no responsibility for any cost associated with the preparation of applications. This notice is effective until September 23, 1996, applications may be submitted before this notice expires. ATTACHMENT: ENERGY POLICY ACT SECTION 2306. LIMITS ON PARTICIPATION BY COMPANIES A company shall be eligible to receive financial assistance under sections XX through XXIII of this Act only if --(1) the Secretary finds that the company's participation in any program under such titles would be in the economic interest of the United States, as evidenced by investments in the United States in research, development, and manufacturing (including, for example, the manufacture of major components or subassemblies in the United States); significant contributions to employment in the United States; an agreement with respect to any technology arising from assistance provided under this section to promote the manufacture within the United States of products resulting from that technology (taking into account the goals of promoting the competitiveness of United States industry), and to procure parts and materials from competitive suppliers; and (2) either -- (a) the company is a United States-owned company; or (b) the Secretary finds that the company is incorporated in the United States and has a parent company which is incorporated in a country which affords to United States-owned companies opportunities, comparable to those afforded to any other company, to participate in any joint venture similar to those authorized under this Act; affords to United States-owned companies local investment opportunities comparable to those afforded to any other company; and affords adequate and effective protection for the intellectual property rights of United States-owned companies. 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